Acute Respiratory Infection Cases Surge 150 Per Cent Post-Disaster as North Aceh Distributes Masks

Acute respiratory infection (ISPA) cases in North Aceh district have surged by 150 per cent following the flash floods and landslides that struck Aceh in November 2025.

“Based on community health centre reports, up to the second week of February, we have recorded 3,944 ISPA cases. Compared with the second week of February 2025, our data showed 1,574 cases. There has been a significant increase,” said Dr Ferianto, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the North Aceh District Health Office, when met at his office on Wednesday.

In response to the spike in ISPA cases, Ferianto said the North Aceh District Health Office has been conducting public awareness campaigns and distributing masks to communities affected by the disaster.

“What we have done so far is run awareness campaigns through community health centres. We are also encouraging people to adopt clean living practices and wear masks,” Ferianto said.

Regarding mask distribution, the North Aceh Health Office has submitted a request for additional supplies to the Aceh Provincial Health Office.

Ferianto acknowledged that the main challenge currently facing North Aceh is the shortage of masks available for distribution to the public.

“The additional masks will likely not be medical-grade masks, but rather washable, reusable ones,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of procuring reusable masks to protect communities over the long term. Extreme weather conditions — whether excessively dry or involving very heavy rainfall — can both contribute to rising ISPA cases.

Extreme dry conditions cause post-flood mud to turn into dust, whilst heavy rain increases humidity, which can also elevate ISPA rates.

“So we are trying to use recyclable masks. This means people can keep them and use them over an extended period,” Ferianto said.